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Boeing Awarded Extension to Program for Developing Future Air System Concepts

FAA program applies network-enabled concepts to air traffic management

Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that its Phantom Works' Advanced Air Traffic Management Systems organization has been awarded a $3.1 million contract extension to continue work through the summer for the Global Communications, Navigation and Surveillance System (GCNSS) program while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finalizes the selection process and awards the contract to begin Phase Two.

Under the Phase One GCNSS contract, Boeing and the FAA demonstrated how network-enabled concepts developed for Boeing's military customers can be adapted and applied to air traffic management. The team has shown how real-time, precision information about aircraft position and intent, weather, and even video of aircraft interiors can be widely shared through a common information network. This enables strategic planning and operational changes that increase system capacity, safety and security.

"We are actively competing for follow-on work in this program, because we believe the GCNSS activity is critical to demonstrating how Boeing's network-enabled concept can help the FAA transform all areas of the air traffic system, including flow management, airline operations and threat detection and response," said Kevin Brown, vice president, Advanced Air Traffic Management Systems at Phantom Works.

Boeing established its Air Traffic Management unit in November 2000 to dramatically improve air traffic systems throughout the world. Its aims are to make flying even safer and more secure; significantly reduce delays, congestion and environmental impact; keep aviation affordable and accessible to commercial, military, business and general aviation users; and enable seamless global aviation operations.